Breanne Casucci

Sweetening the change from summer to autumn is the glorious tradition of marching into a local orchard, reaching up and picking delicious, juicy orbs of fruit. That’s right, apple picking season’s back!

Besides apples, many pick-your-own apple orchards on Long Island also offer tons of fall activities, such as corn mazes, hayrides, playgrounds and more. Not to mention the homemade pies, fresh apple cider, donuts and endless list of other delicious fresh-made goodies.

Here’s what’s in store at LI’s nine apple orchards.:

Fort Salonga Farm
30 Meadow Glen Rd., Northport. 631-269-9666 fortsalongafarm.com 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Friday-Sunday.
All of Fort Salonga Farm’s apple trees are “dwarfed,” making them a perfect size for children. Their apples ripen from August to October. Also check out their honey extracted from bee hives on site.

Hank’s Pumpkintown
240 Montauk Hwy., Watermill. 631-726-4667. Hankspumpkintown.com $25 per 10-lb bag. 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.
Don’t let the name fool you. Hank’s also has an orchard with 14 varieties of apples open for season Sept. 8 and runs through late October. They also have a corn maze, a corn train, a duck race and a farm stand.

Harbes Family Farm and Orchard
5698 Sound Ave., Riverhead. 631-369-1111. harbesfamilyfarm.com $10-$22. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. every weekend in September and October. Apple Fest is Sept. 8 & 9.
Harbes’ orchard opens to pickers on Sept. 1, with more than 27 different varieties of apples to choose from. The fun includes a corn maze about 35 minutes long, vineyard wines, homemade caramel and candy apples, cider donuts and a spooky nighttime maze.

Lewin Farms
812 Sound Ave., Calverton. 631-929-4327. Lewinfarm.com. 9 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. daily.
This “pick your own” orchard usually opens from late August through October, but dates are approximate, so they encourage pickers to call to confirm. Their farm stand also sells pumpkin, corn, berries and other crops. Lewin Farms also has a corn maze of approximately 5 acres that is open to all age groups.

Milk Pail Farm and Orchard
1346 Montauk Hwy., Watermill. Milk-pail.com Monday, Wednesday, Thursday 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Friday, Saturday, Sunday 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
This farm starts their apple picking season Sept. 1 and runs through late October. Pumpkins are also available to pick at the Milk Pail Farm. Their website includes a detailed breakdown of which varieties of apples are available at which times during the short apple-picking season.

Wickham’s Fruit Farm
28700 Main Rd., Cutchogue. 631-734-6441. Wickhamsfruitfarm.com 9 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
Wickham’s orchard opens for apples in September and runs through October, with pumpkin picking starting in October. Also available for picking are strawberries, cherries, blueberries, blackberries, and peaches. They also boast cider from Long Island’s oldest cider press.

Windy Acres Farm
3810 Middle Country Rd., Calverton. 631-727-4554. facebook.com/Windy-Acres-Farm 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.
Besides apples, this family run farm also offers pumpkins in the fall. Other local fruits and vegetables, as well as flowers, are available for purchase. A playground and tractor ride for children is available as well.

Woodside Orchards
729 Main Rd., Aquebogue and 116 Manor Lane, Jamesport. 631-722-5770. Woodsideorchards.com 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily at Aquebogue location; same time on Saturday and Sunday at Jamesport location.
Twenty eight different types of apples are available on semi-dwarf trees, easy for children to pick. Also ready to pick are pumpkins, and there is a corn maze for a fun activity. Woodside is also the only local orchard that makes hard cider and has a tasting room on site.

Pumpkin picking is a mainstay at Long Island fall festivals (Photo by Jim Pennucci)

From the farms on the East End celebrating their harvest to western Long Island communities hosting autumn-themed carnivals, there is no shortage of fall festivals to revel in the season with picking pumpkins, going on hay rides and navigating corn mazes while enjoying some apple cider, pumpkin pie or a great many other fresh goodies.

Here are more than 50 Long Island fall festivals and fairs this season:

Pickle Festival
Every type of pickle imaginable will be available, from fried pickles to pickles on sticks and specialty pickles at this 38th annual festival. There will also be a farm stand, hay rides, vendors, live music and rides on the Lollipop Farm train. John Gardiner Farm, 900 Park Ave., Greenlawn. greenlawncenterporthistorical.org $5. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sept. 16.

Cow Harbor Day
Saturday features a 10K race and 2K fun run during the day, then bands and decorated boat display at the village dock at night. Sunday features vendors, a parade, crazy boat races and more. Main Street, Northport. cowharbor.org7 a.m.-8 p.m. Sept. 16, 7 a.m.-6 p.m. Sept. 17.

Long Island Fair at Old Bethpage Village Restoration
As one of the oldest agricultural festivals in the country, families will transported back in time with activities such as blacksmithing, weaving and candle making. Entertainment includes live music, pony rides, magic shows and more. Admission prices TBD. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sept. 16, 17, 23 & 24.

Valley Stream Community Festival
This annual event is committed to bringing fun, food and festivity to the community. Families can get a sense of the community through different food vendors, music, businesses and more. Rockaway Avenue, Valley Stream. vscommunityfest.com Free. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sept. 23.

Festival By the Sea
Lido Beach is offering two days of fun for the whole family. Activities include live concerts, food, crafts, novelty vendors, sand sculptures and more. Events such as circus acts, pony rides and petting zoos will be available for children. 630 Lido Boulevard, Lido Beach. toh.li11 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Sept. 23, 24.

Long Island Apple Festival
Families can check out the 18th century apple orchard and barn, while picking from trees that are over 100 years old. Families are also able to enjoy apple-related games, hikes, pony rides, story telling, and more. Sherwood-Jayne Farm. 55 Old Post Rd., East Setauket. splia.org $5 children and seniors, $7 adults. 11 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. Sept. 24.

West Islip Country Fair
This event includes more than 300 craft vendors, alongside a bounce house, a slide, magician, painting and sand art for children. A variety of food will be available, such as Italian, Mexican, Polish, ice cream, funnel cakes, hot dogs and more. 15 Celano Lane, West Islip. westislipcountryfair.com Free. 11 a.m-5 p.m. Sept. 24.

Village Day Fall Festival
Celebrate Fall with a petting zoo, hayrides around the Great Lawn, pony rides, pumpkin painting and more. Perfect for children and families. Sands Point Preserve. 127 Middle Neck Rd., Sands Point. sandspointpreserveconservancy.org $10 per car for members. $20 per car for nonmembers. 12 p.m.-4 p.m. Sept. 24.

The San Gennaro Festival of The Hamptons
Live entertainment, artists, rides, fireworks and of course, food will all be part of the Hamptons’ 7th annual San Gennaro Festival. New activities will be added to the traditional events of the festival to provide more family fun. Good Ground Road, Hampton Bays. sangennarofeastofthehamptons.com Free. 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Sept. 30, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Oct. 1.

Fall Festival at Sagtikos Manor
Prepare to travel back into colonial times, with quilters, potters, basket weavers and old-fashioned games for children at this historic Long Island spot where Gen. George Washington once slept. 677 Montauk Hwy., Bay Shore. sagtikosmanor.org10 a.m.-4 p.m. Oct. 1.

Mill Neck Manor Apple Festival
Spend your Columbus Day Weekend with ripe apples, handmade crafts, produce, bratwurst, and activities for the whole family. A cheese house and country store will be set up to purchase cheese, baked goods, fudge and more. There will also be face painting and a pumpkin patch for children. Mill Neck Manor. 40 Frost Mill Rd., Mill Neck. millneck.org $15 per car. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 7, 8.

Montauk Fall Festival
Featured at this annual event is free carousel rides for children, the Long Island Wines & Farmers Market and live music. Of course, the famous Clam Chowder Contest will top the festival off. 742 Montauk Highway, Montauk. montauk-online.com Free. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 7, 8.

Riverhead Country Fair
With over 100,000 square feet of land, come enjoy artists, agriculture and homemaking displays and competitions. Authors, entertainers, merchants, food, rides, pony rides and more will also help make for a fun start to your Columbus Day Weekend. Main Street, Riverhead. riverheadcountryfair.com Free. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 8.

SouthamptonFest
Kicking off the event is a cocktail party, and continuing on with a taste of the East End with food from local restaurants. Supplying the entertainment for the weekend is live music, bubble shows, face painting, art, dance, and more. Main Street, Southampton. southamptonseptfest.org Free. Oct. 13-15.

Pumpkin Fest
The Village of Islandia’s annual Pumpkin Fest is back for another day of hayrides, pumpkins (of course), treats and all-around family fun. Islandia Village Hall, 100 Old Nichols Rd., Islandia. newvillageofislandia.com Free. Oct. 21.

Great Jack O’Lantern Spectacular
Get the family in the Halloween spirit with balloon twisting, a children’s spooky den, trick or treating, games, crafts, and funny photos. Pumpkin carving is also included, and the first 50 carved pumpkins received will be placed on flotation devices and lit with candles. These pumpkins will be sailed around Belmont Lake at dusk. Belmont Lake State Park. Southern State Parkway Exit 38, North Babylon. parks.ny.gov3 p.m.- 6 p.m. Oct. 28.

FreedomFest Taste of Long Island Festival and Street Fair
After the Suffolk County Marathon, enjoy a day of live music and entertainment, local craft breweries, award winning wines, and local food and produce. Main Street, Patchogue village. suffolkmarathon.com9 a.m. Oct. 29.

Skygazers are gearing up for an exciting astronomical rarity when the first total solar eclipse visible across the United States in decades occurs on Monday, Aug. 21.

The path of totality—when the moon passes between the sun and the Earth, temporarily turning day into night—will occur between Oregon and South Carolina. The last time that happened was 1918. The celestial show will appear as a partial solar eclipse on Long Island by mid-afternoon and will last about three hours from start to finish.

NASA has issued helpful tips on how the public can see the eclipse without causing eye damage. There are also a number of educational eclipse viewing events being held across LI that can be found here:

Eclipse Day at EMPL
An event filled day with an eclipse class, learning about constellations, eclipse crafts and learning about eclipses in literature will lead up the the viewing event. East Meadow Public Library. 1886 Front St., East Meadow. eventkeeper.com Free. 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. Aug.21.

The Great North American Eclipse-Solar Viewing and Activities
Viewers will be able to learn about the eclipse, make a pinhole camera to observe the eclipse and seal memories into a time capsule to be opened up in the next seven years, when the next New York eclipse occurs. Cradle of Aviation, Charles Lindbergh Blvd, Garden City. cradleofaviation.org Free with museum admission. 12-4 p.m. Aug. 21.

Solar Eclipse Observing Party
A Montauk astronomer will be showing the South Fork to safely view and learn about the eclipse. The South Fork Natural History Museum and Nature Center, 337 Bridgehampton-Sag Harbor Tpke., Bridgehampton. sofo.org Free. 1-4 p.m. Aug. 21.

Solar eclipse viewing
Astronomers from the Montauk Observatory will be fielding questions and operating a telescope that will allow you to safely view the eclipse. Shades available while supplies last. Parrish Art Museum, 279 Montauk Hwy., Water Mill. $12 for Adults, free for children under 18, students, and museum members. 1-4 p.m. Aug. 21.

Eclipse viewing reception
Astronomy experts will explain and analyze the eclipse for local residents, step-by-step, as the historic event takes place while spectators gather on an elevated solar viewing party deck. Hudson’s on the Mile Restaurant, Woodcleft Ave., Freeport. 1 p.m. Aug. 21.

Solar Eclipse Garden Viewing
Join the John Jermain Memorial Library for a viewing in the garden for all ages. Viewing glasses will be provided, and light refreshments will be served. John Jermain Memorial Library. 201 Main St., Sag Harbor. johnjermain.org Free. 1:15-4 p.m. Aug. 21.

2017 Celestial Event of the Century!
A view of the eclipse, safe viewing glasses, and engaging hands on activities will all be included at this event. Centereach Parking Lot, 101 Eastwood Blvd., Centereach. mcpac.mcpl.lib.ny.us Free. 1:15-3:45 p.m. Aug. 21.

Solar Eclipse Viewing Party
The Oceanside Library will be providing safe viewing options at the Schoolhouse Green. Fun and games will also be in store at this event. Schoolhouse Green, Foxhurst Road, Oceanside. eventkeeper.com Free. 1:30-3:30 p.m. Aug.21.

Become a citizen scientist
Families are invited to observe the eclipse and then help NASA researchers and EclipseMob.org collect data on the eclipse at Maritime Explorium Children’s Museum in Port Jefferson. Glasses are provided while still available. Check EclipseMob.org for detailed instructions on how to collect data. 101 E Broadway, Port Jefferson. Free. 1:30-3:30 p.m. Aug. 21.

The Australian comedic actress, perhaps best known for her role as Fat Amy in Pitch Perfect, took a tumble while shooting her new movie on Long Island. On Tuesday, she revealed that she suffered a concussion as a result.

“Started the day with a fall that led to a mild concussion… yet somehow looking not bad at 7pm,” Wilson posted on Instagram, while still remaining to find humor in the incident.

Wilson posted the same picture on Twitter and told fans that she won’t be performing any crazy stunts for the next few days.

“Thank you to everyone on Long Island who helped me today in the emergency room & ambulance,” Wilson posted, to end a serious moment with a happy ending. Hopefully her new movie ends the same way.

This stately Colonial mansion offering an abundance of history and privacy on the Gold Coast is listed for sale at 65 Dogwood Avenue in the tony Village of Roslyn Harbor.

Built in 1930, the restored brick mansion, which has 15,400-square-feet of living space, was designed by Cross & Cross, who designing the GE building and the Tiffany & Co building in Manhattan. Outside, the landscaping was originally designed by landscape architect Beatrix Farrand, who designed the East and West White House gardens during the Wilson administration. It sits on 3.9 acres—three times the size of a football field.

A long driveway stretches far into the property, giving the home a private and secluded feeling. The eight-bedroom home has 11 bathrooms, two half bathrooms, a ballroom, formal dining room, two eat-in kitchens, a bar, parlor, full basement and 15 fireplaces. The home has a good balance of rooms filled with white walls and marble floors, providing an elegant feeling, and warm colored rooms with wooden floors, to give more comfort.

A large stairwell leads to the second floor, with a beautiful chandelier centered in the middle of the room. A porch with a view of the beautiful greenery, pebble and stone walkways is located in the back of the house. The home also has a four-car garage.

This estate is two blocks from the Greenvale Long Island Rail Road station and 15 minutes from the Long Island Expressway and Northern State Parkway. It’s within walking distance of the William Cullen Bryant Preserve and a short drive from multiple nearby country clubs. It is zoned for Roslyn High School, which is ranked No. 32 in New York State, according to U.S. News & World Report.

The asking price is $5,850,000, not including the annual property taxes of $119,262.

The brokers for this property are Jason Friedman and Sarah Friedman of Coldwell Banker. They can be reached at 516-482-8400.

Although it was later determined to be part of a stunt by a Youtuber, TSA was asked by a traveler if this giant stuffed bear could board the plane as a passenger. The traveler even bought a ticket for the bear. TSA, however, deemed the bear as too large, and the sad looking toy was abandoned at LAX.

In 2011, seven snakes and three turtles were found in a traveler’s pants while going through security at the Miami International Airport. The animals were taken away by officers, and this almost sly guy was arrested.

A Boston TSA officer found this lobster when a baggage alarm was going off, and he needed to empty a container. Luckily, the lobster was allowed on after all. Hope that passenger wasn’t too crabby about needing to have his bag examined.

Lights, camera, airport security! This item wasn’t confiscated, but was too crazy not to mention. A prop from the Texas Chainsaw Massacre Movie was brought to the Atlanta International Airport. TSA screened it, and let it on the plane.

From the sweeping views of Patchogue Bay to the classic architecture, this waterfront estate listed for sale at 5 Cedar Bluff Rd. in the Village of Bellport is beautiful inside and out.

Built in 1937, the estate also features views of Fire Island, which is accessible through the village’s resident-only ferry or the estate’s private boat dock. With about 6,600-sqauare-feet of living space, it’s built on a 3.2-acre lot that’s about the size of a New York City block.

The seven-bedroom home has seven bathrooms, three half bathrooms, two eat-in kitchens, a formal dining room, study, gym, two fireplaces and guest quarters. It also has a partly finished basement and partial attic for storage.

Outside, the property has a two-tiered deck along the shoreline, two-car garage, a detached artists/writers studio, screened-in patio, heated in-ground pool and 137-feet of water frontage.

This estate is a quick six minute ride from the Bellport Long Island Rail Road station and about two miles from Sunrise Highway. It’s also near downtown Bellport and the Bellport Country Club. The house is zoned for South Country School District, which includes Bellport Middle School and High School.

The asking price is $5,900,000, not including the $63,098 in annual property taxes.

The broker listed for the property is Anne Rohrmeier of Eileen A Green Realty Corp. She can be reached at 631-286-3366.

Elegance radiates from this historic Georgian-style mansion and its nearly 24-acre expansive wooded estate with and two guest cottages listed for sale at 473 Woodbury Rd. in Cold Spring Harbor.

Built in 1934, this home was designed by Mott B. Schmidt, the famed architect who designed homes for the Vanderbilt family and other socialites a century ago. It’s situated on a 1,034,550-square-foot lot that’s nearly as big as Ellis Island, with views of the valley and harbor.

The 11-bedroom mansion has 8,000-square-feet of living space, eight bathrooms, two half bathrooms, an eat-in kitchen with updated appliances and formal dining room. Amenities include a library, seven fireplaces, in-ground pool and tennis court. The basement includes an unfinished playroom, perfect for a new owner to add their own style into this beautifully designed home.

Besides two large cottages, it also has a carriage house with an apartment, a three-stall barn, a greenhouse and nine-car detached garage.

This estate is 15 minutes from the Northern State Parkway and the Long Island Expressway, and five minutes from the Cold Spring Harbor Long Island Rail Road station. The home is zoned for Cold Spring Harbor High School, which is ranked No. 31 in New York State, according to U.S. News & World Report.

The asking price is $12,500,000, not including annual property taxes of $103,101.

A beach-lovers paradise awaits at this oceanfront modern Mediterranean home listed for sale at 1233 #19 Beech St. in the sought-after Water Club section of the Village of Atlantic Beach.

Built in 1990, amenities include a double-tiered deck leading to an in-ground heated pool, a balcony overlooking the Atlantic Ocean from the second-floor master suite and a spa that also faces the dunes and rolling waves.

This three-bedroom home with 3,800-square-feet of living space features three and a half bathrooms has an eat-in kitchen, formal dining room, living room and two fireplaces. It’s built on a 7,800-square-foot lot. It also has a Stucco exterior, porch, two-car garage and fully finished basement.

Although this home includes a private beach, it also offers the perks of being nearby Long Beach, Lido Beach and Point Lookout. It’s minutes from the Long Beach Long Island Rail Road station. The home is in the Lawrence School District.

The asking price for his home is $4,999,500. The annual property taxes run $32,133.

New York Islanders forward Brock Nelson (29) watches the puck slip by Washington Capital goaltender Brandon Holtby (70) on a shot from John Tavares (not pictured) for the opening goal (Photo by Joe Nuzzo).

Nassau and Suffolk county lawmakers are teaming up in their call for the NHL’s New York Islanders to once again make the renovated Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Uniondale their home ice.

The renewed calls for Long Island’s only major league sports team to return to its original home come after reports that the team is planning to move from the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, where it moved two years ago. The team is pitching a new arena at Belmont Park in Elmont.

“Home is where we are at our best,” said Nassau County Legis. Kevan Abrahams (D-Freeport), the legislature’s Democratic minority leader, told reporters Friday during a news conference outside the arena. Referring to the team’s four consecutive Stanley Cup wins in the 1980s, he added: “And where the Islanders are at their best is in this building.”

The lawmakers touted the economic benefits, sense of community and tradition of bringing the Islanders back to the coliseum, which reopened in April after being renovated by Forrest City Ratner, the company that built the Barclays Center.

Since being renovated, concerns arose that there are no longer enough seats and suites and the rink is no longer big enough. But officials said the arena could be adjusted, as long as the Islanders commit to playing a substantial amount of games at the location, which would require NHL approval.

Some Long Island residents aren’t so optimistic about the idea. Long time Islanders fan Charles Razenson doesn’t see a return to the coliseum in sight.

“The coliseum had its chance, and all they did was put lipstick on a pig,” Razenson told the Press. “If the legislators really had intent, they would’ve done it right the first time.”

Despite the negativity, the lawmakers are trying to keep positive about a possible Isles homecoming.

“How many times did we see them defy those odds and do those difficult deeds,” said Suffolk County Legis. William Lindsey (D-Holbrook). “We need to give them the same respect and in our efforts here, with all the naysayers out there saying that this can’t be done, we know it can.”